Microsoft Makes Keyboard for iPad

Why make a tablet when you can turn any tablet into a PC?

Who needs to make a successful tablet, or even a successful tablet OS when you can just make a tablet-compatible keyboard? That seems to be the thinking over at Microsoft these days–the company has just announced a portable Bluetooth keyboard called the Mobile Keyboard 5000.

As is usually the case with Microsoft peripherals, the 5000 looks smart and well made, if a little businesslike. From the sci-fi retro name on, there’s a lot to like. First, it’s a good size, measuring 355mm (14 inches) long, which compares to 280mm (11 inches) for Apple’s Bluetooth keyboard. That’s not very portable (the Logitech iPad 2 keyboard case is even smaller at 245 mm [9.7 inches] long), but that doesn’t seem to be the point here.

That point is comfort, and the 5000 is designed for notebooks as well as tablets. The keyboard features an ergonomic curve, and is an easy-to-reach 15.9 mm (0.6 inches) thick.

So, you decide: Do you want a compact, portable keyboard perfect for your iPad? Then pick the Logitech/Zagg case. Do you have an iPad and a Mac? Then use the Apple case, with extra media keys for both. Do you want a full-sized keyboard, and are happy to carry it around in your ugly, oversized nylon laptop bag? Get this. Bonus: it costs just $50.